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Nikon Announces Z7 and Z6 Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

By Ian Bongso-Seldrup, August 23, 2018 @ 03:30 AM (EST)

Nikon has finally unveiled its much-anticipated new Z-series full-frame mirrorless system. The initial release includes not one but two bodies—the Z7 and Z6—as well as three lenses for the new Z-mount and an F-mount adapter. Externally, the high-res Z7 is almost identical to the high-sensitivity Z6, but the internal specs are different: The Z7 offers 45.7 megapixels and a sensitivity range of ISO 64–25,600, compared with the Z6’s 24.5MP and wider sensitivity range of ISO 100–51,200.

The Z7 has a lot in common with the company’s highly-successful D850. It boasts a fully weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, a 45.7MP BSI-CMOS sensor, 9fps continuous shooting, and 4K video capture. The autofocus system is a hybrid affair with 493 phase detection points offering 90% vertical and horizontal coverage, and there’s also 5-axis in-body image stabilization. The camera features a 3.6M-dot electronic viewfinder offering 0.8x magnification, along with a 3.2-inch 2.1M-dot tilting touchscreen LCD. There’s even an OLED display on the top plate that provides a summary of settings. The Z7 only has a single XQD slot, though CFexpress support via a firmware upgrade is promised soon.

The Z7 can shoot continuously at up to 9fps with autofocus, but with exposure locked on the first shot. This drops to 5.5fps with autofocus and continuous exposure. The buffer is good for 18 14-bit compressed or 23 12-bit lossless compressed RAWs. On the video side, UHD 4K capture uses the full sensor width, but only at 30p/24p. The camera supports 10-bit 4:2:2 Log video over HDMI, and offers live focus peaking, zebra stripes, and adjustable AF tracking speeds.

The Z6 shares many of the features of its higher-end sibling, including the weather-sealed body, the high-resolution EVF, and the video specs and features. But as well as the lower pixel count of its BSI-CMOS sensor, it also offers fewer phase-detect AF points—273. The lower-resolution sensor allows the EXPEED 6 processor to squeeze 12fps continuous shooting with AF (exposure locked after the first frame) out of the Z6, but this drops to 9fps when shooting in 14-bit RAW mode. The Z6 promises better video quality, too, as it’s able to capture oversampled 4K video—which the Z7 only achieves in Super 35/DX-crop mode.

With a diameter of 55mm, the new Z-mount is larger than any other full-frame mirrorless mount on the market. This will allow it to support lenses as fast as f/0.95. The battery life of both cameras is rated at 330 shots per charge (CIPA). Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be used to transfer files wirelessly via Nikon’s SnapBridge system.

The Nikon Z7 ships in late September and will retail for a body-only price of $3,400 or for $4,000 when bundled with the new Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/4 S lens. The Z6 will be available two months later and is priced at $1,995 (body only) or $2,600 (with the 24–70mm f/4).

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The new Nikon Z mount system is comprised of mirrorless cameras and compatible NIKKOR Z lenses and accessories. This system has been realized through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance. It has inherited Nikon’s tradition of quality, superior imaging technology, intuitive operability and high reliability, all innovated from its digital SLR cameras.

At the heart of the Z mount system is the new, larger-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design. The Z mount system will offer a variety of high-performance lenses, including the fastest lens in Nikon history, with f/0.951. Additionally, the new mount adapter will enable compatibility with NIKKOR F mount lenses, adding to the range of choices for photographers.

The letter “Z” represents the culmination of Nikon’s relentless pursuit of ultimate optical performance, and a bridge to a new chapter. It is about redefining possibilities to provide image makers with tools to pursue greater creativity.

Nikon will expand the value of mirrorless cameras through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance, and by upholding Nikon’s tradition of quality while responding to the evolution of imaging technology. By providing image makers with stimulating new products, Nikon will continue to lead imaging culture.

Z 7, Z 6 Product Overview

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with a new backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with built-in focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 6.

The high-resolution Z 7 has 45.7 effective megapixels, and supports a standard sensitivity range of ISO 64–25600. In combination with NIKKOR Z lenses, the camera achieves an outstanding level of sharpness and detail, all the way to the edges of the image.

The versatile Z 6 is an all-purpose FX-format camera with 24.5 effective megapixels, and supports the wide sensitivity range of ISO 100–51200. With superior performance at high ISO sensitivities and full-frame 4K UHD video capture with full pixel readout, the Z 6 responds to a variety of needs, such as shooting in dimly lit environments and high-quality movie recording.

These two models combine legendary Nikon reliability and a familiar interface with the benefits of a mirrorless, including rapid FPS, hybrid AF, silent shooting and advanced multimedia capabilities.

A backside illumination CMOS sensor without an Optical Low Pass Filter, with focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels, has been adopted for both the Z 7 and the Z 6. The Z 7 has 45.7 effective megapixels, and supports ISO 64–25600 range of standard sensitivities (reduction to the equivalent of ISO 32 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 102400 is also possible). The Z 6 has an effective pixel count of 24.5 megapixels, and supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100–51200 (additional reduction to the equivalent of ISO 50 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 204800).

A fast and accurate hybrid AF system with focus points covering approximately 90% of the imaging area

The Z 7 has 493 focus points2 and the Z 6 has 273 focus points2, enabling broad coverage of approximately 90% of the imaging area both horizontally and vertically. This hybrid AF system uses an algorithm optimized for the FX-format sensor, to automatically switches between focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detect AF when focusing to achieve focus. Newly-designed NIKKOR Z lenses take full advantage of this system, providing faster, quieter and with increased AF accuracy than previously possible for both still images and videos.

The new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine for sharp and clear imaging, and new functions that support creativity

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with the new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine. Employing the superior resolving power of NIKKOR Z and NIKKOR F mount lenses, subjects are rendered more sharply than ever before. Noise is also effectively reduced.

Additionally, a mid-range sharpening option has been added to Picture Control sharpness parameters. This option, along with existing sharpening and clarity parameters, allows users to make various textures within the screen sharper or softer, for both still images and video3. The cameras also offer 20 options of Creative Picture Control, supporting creative imaging expression. The effect level is adjustable from 0 to 100.

An electronic viewfinder that utilizes Nikon's superior optical and image-processing technologies to offer a clear and natural view

The electronic viewfinder adopted for the Z 7 and Z 6 is comfortable and easy to use, comparable to optical viewfinders. Both cameras are equipped with an electronic viewfinder for which an approximately 3690k-dot OLED panel has been adopted. The electronic viewfinder has frame coverage and magnification of approximately 100% and 0.8×, respectively, as well as an approximately 37.0° diagonal viewing angle. It draws on Nikon's superior optical technologies and image-processing technologies, ensuring a clear and comfortable view, with reduced aberration and minimum eyestrain, even during extended shoots. Furthermore, a fluorine coat that effectively repels dirt has been applied to the eyepiece protection window. In addition, the menu can be displayed in the electronic viewfinder, allowing users to quickly view and adjust a variety of shooting settings, including ISO sensitivity, AF-area mode, and Picture Control, all while looking through the viewfinder.

An ergonomic design unique to Nikon that enables intuitive and familiar operation

The Z 7 and Z 6 have inherited the superior operability that Nikon has cultivated over the years through its development of cameras. The bodies are compact, while boasting a firm grip that is easy to hold, and the sub-selector and buttons such as AF-ON, ISO, and exposure compensation are all placed so that they can be operated swiftly and easily. Additionally, a display panel has been placed on the top plate of the camera, where information about settings can be displayed, similar to high-end digital SLR camera models.

Video functions such as 10-bit N-Log that enables wide dynamic range, and timecoding that respond to professional needs

The Z 7 and Z 6 support recording of not only full-frame 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)/30p movies using the FX-based video format, but also Full-HD/120p movies. Sharper 4K UHD movies are made possible, using the full-pixel readout4. Additionally, Active D-Lighting, electronic vibration reduction, and focus peaking can be used with 4K UHD and Full-HD movie recording. Nikon’s original N-Log color profile can also be used with 10-bit5 HDMI output. The N-Log setting utilizes extensive color depth and twelve-stop, 1,300% dynamic range to record a wealth of tone information from highlights and shadows for more effective color grading. Timecode support makes synchronizing video and sound from multiple devices easier. Additionally, the control ring built into NIKKOR Z lenses can be used to quietly and smoothly adjust settings such as aperture and exposure compensation.

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with in-camera vibration reduction (VR). The VR unit provides compensation for movement along five axes. The effects of vibration reduction are equivalent to a shutter speed up to approximately 5.0 stops6. This function can also be used effectively with NIKKOR F lenses, including those not equipped with a VR function, with the Mount Adapter FTZ (sold separately)8.

Other features

Same level of strength and durability, as well as dust- and drip- resistance, as the Nikon D850, offered in a compact body

A 3.2-in., approximately 2100k-dot touch-sensitive LCD monitor, with a tilting mechanism

An extended low-light metering range12 allows users to easily capture scenes such as the transition from sunset to starry night sky, using aperture-priority auto exposure

Built-in Wi-Fi® for direct connection to a smart device using SnapBridge

Built-in Wi-Fi® makes the transfer of images and movies to a computer possible

Support for existing digital SLR camera accessories such as the EN-EL15/a/b batteries, WT-7/A/B/C Wireless Transmitter (available separately) for transferring images and movies at high speed over a wired or wireless LAN, and radio-controlled/optical controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, which makes flexible multi-flash photography possible

Development of the MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery Pack

The MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery Pack that is currently in development will hold two EN-EL15b, effectively increasing the number of shots possible and/or movie recording time by approximately 1.8×. It will provide the same level of dust and drip resistance as the Z 7 and Z 6, and will support USB charging using the EH-7P Charging AC Adapter. Information regarding the release of this product will be announced at a later date.

Price and Availability

The Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3399.95* for the body-only configuration, or for $3999.95* SRP as a kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens. The Nikon Z 6 will be available in late November for the $1995.95* SRP for the body only configuration, or for the $2,599.95* SRP with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens kit. For more information on these and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

1. Within interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras and Advanced Cameras with Interchangeable Lens.
2. With FX (36×24) image area and single-point AF enabled.3. Mid-range sharpness adjustment is only possible at “High quality” movie setting.4. DX-based movie format with the Z 7.5. Simultaneous recording of 4K UHD movies with 10-bit output to the camera's memory card is not possible.6. Among interchangeable-lens cameras.7. Measured in accordance with CIPA standards (using the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, with zoom set at the maximum telephoto position).
8. The level of compensation achieved when a NIKKOR F mount lens is used is not as high as that of a NIKKOR Z lens.
9. Can only be confirmed using the camera with which focus shift was performed.10. Third-party software is required.11. Continuous H (extended) in 12-bit RAW, JPEG, or TIFF format.12. With interval timer shooting or time-lapse movie recording with silent photography and exposure smoothing enabled.

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